Gulati: Talk Around USSF Election "Depressing And Disgusting"

January 19, 2018

Gulati said some of the ideas of the candidates are nonsensical

Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Outgoing U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati said he found much of the talk around the upcoming election of his successor "depressing and disgusting," according to Paul Kennedy of SOCCER AMERICA. Gulati sat for a Q&A with Fox' Alexi Lalas on Thursday at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia and said that "some of the ideas of candidates are nonsensical." Gulati admitted that improvements "could be made in lots of areas," though they "couldn't be implemented quickly enough." He would "not come out and say he endorses Kathy Carter" for the president position, but it "would be a shock" if he endorsed someone other than the SUM President. He said, “We certainly have some I think are more qualified than others and some that are far less qualified than what I think is appropriate for the office" (SOCCERAMERICA.com, 1/19).

CARTER LAYS OUT PLAN: Carter on Thursday "laid out her platform" at the convention. The "main focus of her plan" was the formation of an independent commission in charge of "reforming the federation at every level" (SBISOCCER.com, 1/18). The group would be chaired by Casey Wasserman, and Carter said he "has great access to independent thought." Carter said of the possible uncoupling of MLS and USSF in a future media-rights deal: "I’m in favor of what will drive the most revenue into our sport" (TWITTER.com, 1/18). Carter's commission concept and Wasserman's involvement sparked backlash from rival candidate Hope Solo, who tweeted, "Blatant conflict of interest. How can @soccerkcarter propose that the head of a sports agency -- one with business ties to the USSF through representation of numerous athletes on the National Team -- lead an 'independent' commission to shape the future of the game? NO." TopDrawerSoccer.com's Travis Clark: "This is the first clear, tangible actionable idea I've seen from Kathy Carter, and it's... concerning. To put it kindly." Soccer America's Kennedy noted, "About 50 people listening to Kathy Carter, and I know about 45 of them. Not good if she is trying to 'get message out.' But this is reality of convention."